Antique Document Storage Box 4 x 6 inch Originally meant to store clothing

Originally meant to store clothing or household items

lacquered in red to contrast with the surrounding natural wood frame

with traces of red and blue underneath

Each one is individual

Antique Document Storage Box 4 x 6 inch Originally meant to store clothingGansu, circa 1920 Storage boxes like this one were used to hold important papers, books and documents. They were usually decorated with paintings on the front and a written message, perhaps showing details of the owner or to give a wish for prosperity or good fortune. The central, circular painting on a white background here has worn and faded, as have the Chinese characters on the red strips either side, but these are still visible. The box is from